My name is Tony Banerjee and I hail from the city of Hull in the East Riding Of Yorkshire. I went to Medical School at the University Of Leicester and returned to Hull to work as a Junior Doctor in 2002. During 2003, I had noticed that I was losing a great deal of weight, had a dwindling appetite and rather non-specific lower gastrointestinal symptoms.

After a series of investigations instigated by the Consultant that I was working for, I got diagnosed at 23 years old with Bowel Cancer that had advanced towards my liver and bladder. Following a hefty course of pre-operative chemoradiotherapy at the now-demolished site at Princess Royal Hospital in Hull, I underwent major bowel surgery at Castle Hill Hospital to remove the tumour and lymph nodes that were affected. 

Thereafter, I had a further six months of adjuvant post-operative chemotherapy through a Hickman Line (inserted at Hull Royal Infirmary) before finally having my ileostomy reversed. 

This July of 2013 marks the ten-year all-clear of my diagnosis, and having successfully raised £5000 for the Ward that looked after me at my five-year all-clear through a Fundraising Dinner, I decided it was time to "up my game" and take this fundraising lark to the next level! 

I feel so lucky to have made it to this stage, and this is testament to all the people who have helped me over the years, many of whom I know will be reading this now - no matter how small you think your input was, you're the reason that I am still here today. It is the complete lottery of life that I got diagnosed in the first place, but I firmly believe that it couldn't have happened to someone luckier to have the amazing family and friends that carried me through those dark days... 

However, it would be remiss of me to not mention the amazing care that I received from all health professionals whether it be the doctors, nurses or other hospital staff that I encountered over the last decade. You know who you are, and my family and I can never thank you enough. 

Having been born and had all my care at the hospitals in Hull, I feel a huge sense of gratitude and debt to Hull, and decided to stay and dedicate my career to putting something back into the city. 

I am now a GP Partner at Marfleet Group Practice in East Hull, and have been working as the Chairman of NHS Hull for the last two years. This has given me a fantastic overview of healthcare in the NHS, and has given me a great platform to try and beneficially alter the stark health inequalities that exist in the city of Hull.

When I was looking for a charity to support in my fundraising efforts this year, it was difficult to look further than the Teenage Cancer Trust here at Castle Hill Hospital - it is such an inspirational and amazing unit for 13 - 24 year old children and young people to have their treatment and cope with the crushing diagnosis of cancer. The facility didn't exist when I was diagnosed and I can really see the benefits of having such a unit to help young cancer patients and their families. 

I hope to push our NHS Hull vision of "Creating A Healthier Hull" through my fundraising this year and so I have, in my infinite wisdom, decided to do seven 10km runs in seven days from Sunday 21st July 2013 until the final run on Saturday 27th July 2013, followed by a Charity Fundraiser Dinner that evening in Hull (details to follow). Those who know me well will know that this is a huge personal challenge but will also know that it is one that I intend to rise to! All routes will be in Hull and East Riding Of Yorkshire, and I will publish all these through this site and my Facebook page. I want as many of you to get as involved as possible with the fundraising whether that be through joining me for one or all of the 10km or through other allied activities. I really want to set the fundraising ball rolling today, and see how high we can raise this bar! The sky is literally the limit with what we can do together...but I need all of your support and sponsorship in order to make a difference. I know this is a difficult time of austerity for so many, but whatever little you can donate will be greatly appreciated and so well-received. If you have any questions about how to get involved then please get in touch by emailing me at tony.banerjee@nhs.net. 

I want to use all proceeds from this year's fundraising to help the Teenage Cancer Trust at Castle Hill Hospital. All donations given via JustGiving will be restricted to this unit in Hull. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and I really hope that you feel able to support the cause. 

Yours,

Tony